A circular dinner room at the top of the Reunion Tower, the 15th tallest structure in the city has wonderful views. I came after dinner, had a glass of wine at the left side of the bar, watching the sunset.
Female hostesses manage the reservations and monitor the dress code on the ground level. It bills itself as an upscale (rare steaks and fine seafood), however, it doesn’t feel flush but bustlingly touristy – glad that I had dinner elsewhere.
A crown block is a fixed set of sheaves (pulleys) located at the top of a derrick (or mast) on a drilling rig. The 561 ft (171 m) tower is known as ‘The Ball’, built in 1978, as part of city redevelopment with Hyatt Regency and the Union Station. The globe is often lighted in synch with the event in the city. Before Crown Block since 2023, it was Wolfgang Puck’s Five Sixty, but was closed in 2020 due to Covid-19.
They’re near the Sundance Sq in downtown, on the corner of Main St. and E 2nd St.; high ceiling, industrial, pleasant on the eye.
Good stem Schott Zwiese (I prefer Riedel), mini decanters (single-serve carafes) … which might add a touch of elegance and sophistication (?) but, actually, I’d rather not to have my wine wash through one more medium …
Our female server looks seasoned, with a big seasoned smile.
We’ve
crab cake – the best I’ve had so far: love and appreciate the nuts
Ruby red trout – very good
oysters texasfellar – very good
After the appetizer she asked us if we’d like some bread … yes but no and I told her she’s a bad girl -:)
Well stocked bathroom, from hand cream to mouthwash – a good natured bitching: shouldn’t the mouthwash be the purple colored Total Care? ha ha ha … Thank you.
Getting there at the tight time, it was only half full. By the time we almost done, it became full: the convention attendees are pouring in for their lunch. We would sit a little longer to watch Joao Fonesca’s defeat of Pierre-Hugues Herbert, but when the girl came by, asking if we need anything, we asked for the bill. She said ok and then proceeded to take the cream and sugar away. The manager (?) told her not to do it quietly and she put them back – I appreciated this kind gesture – thank you.
A decent Chinese restaurant in town. They’re the only Chinese we tried.
Large hall, plenty outside seatings. I think they share the bathrooms with the motel.
A lady is making dumplings at the station when we walked in at 4pm. I asked what kind dumplings is she making, she said “I don’t speak English.” The skins look different, but I did order – five steamed dumplings arrived – they’re huge, double the normal size. I ordered chives and pork, they include corns too (freebie… but not young), which I don’t see often. The fillings are too solid.
We’ve mapo tofu 麻婆豆腐 and beef with string beans 牛肉四季豆. Both taste good, especially the tofu has the numbing spice. The beef is tender (tenderizer?) but the string beans are way too old, which is chewy.
Location: 4 (opposite from San Miguel Chapel)
Ambience: 4
Food: 2
Service: 0
First, their front desk was un-manned at 5:09. A couple before us was waiting. We waited for a little while, I then went in to look for a hostess. Shortly a woman with a ponytail, and a man with eye glasses showed up to work.
Don’t believe the front desk hostess‘s claim that “that table is reserved”.
5pm on a Tuesday, the out door section is empty (inside isn’t packed either). When she sat us under the sun, I asked immediately that can we please have a table under the shade, like that one under the umbrella. “Oh that table is reserved.”
When I made reservation, I only indicated outdoor, not sure they’ve a place for the dinner to indicate exactly which table.
Sitting under the sun is uncomfortable, so I got up and asked one more time, for a table before a lovely tile mosaic with tiny fountain.
“Oh that table is reserved.”
When we about to leave, she offered the first table I pointed at.
Shortly after, a couple was seated at the table before tile mosaic with tiny fountain. To be accurate, I did ask them if they’ve reserved this specific table.
“No.”
Why would she lie: despise Irene which is totally ok, or Chinese or people of color (I’ve experienced this a few times prior…) which is… let’s stop here.
They use Riedel glasses, which is nice – seems everyone in Santa Fe uses Riedel.
I’ve Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc – the vineyard we visited in 2015 – it’s as usual, very good.
Food – we’ve
– duck: on the sweet side
– Jetty Jack: like the crispy fried skin
Both entries look chunky, large portion, homey, nothing ‘fine’ about it.
They claim themselves as New Mexican, whichever that means, but I need to add salt and pepper to add some tastes for both entries.
I grew up knowing, so did Joy Luck Club, (both book and movie) that adding soy sauce to a dish is the ultimate insult. I’ll stop here.
By the time we leave, the outdoor section is only 40% occupied. I did tell to the man with glasses who’s at front also, that lying isn’t cool.
An average sleepy bar on the ground level of Drury hotel, where I’m staying, with outdoor tables and a fire place. It’s pleasant, industrial, clean line.
Molten Chocolate lava cake is promoted everywhere in the hotel, so I went for it. It’s one of few desserts that I like, … and I even tried to make it. Knowing nothing about baking (is not a crime, right?), of course I failed. Actually little Irene likes the lava more, so melting the chocolate in the ramekin becomes her or my thing or ‘lave cake’ when in the mood.
I ordered take out because I want to have it in my little patio, and asked for real utensils. It was nicely packed but with a plastic spoon. I went to the bar again and got two spoons: both could use some polish.
Santa Fe Olive Oil Tasting Counter, Ice Cream and Cook Shop is a good place for gifts, and ice cream. It’s clean and neat.
We got coffee, olive oil and spices. Oh, one of the small spice was taken out of my carry on and looked at @ the SAF airport. I was tempted to buy their balsamic vinegar but have no space in my carry on. Next time.